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WSDA offers reimbursement of costs for organic certification

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is offering reimbursement for some of the costs of organic certification.

Qualified producers, handlers and food processors are encouraged to apply for the funds. Reimbursements are limited to 75 percent of licensing costs up to a maximum of $750. Funds are available for both the 2008 and 2009 certification year on a reimbursable basis.

WSDA is authorized to spend $950,000 in United States Department of Agriculture funds under the 2008 Farm Bill to support the organic industry with certification costs. An estimated 1,200 certified organic producers, processors and handlers are eligible for the cost-share funds.

Organic businesses certified by WSDA renew their licenses each year. Under state law, the program is required to recover the full cost of organic certification through fees.

Consumer preference for locally grown foods and organic foods is evident with the growth of farmers markets and consumer surveys. The number of acres WSDA certifies as organic or in transition to organic production is impressive, climbing from 70,000 acres in 2006 to 120,000 acres in 2008.

“We see this assistance as an additional way of supporting the continued development of the organic industry in our state,” said Miles McEvoy, manager of the Organic Food Program. “Market demand continues to grow for organic food products and both small and large-scale farmers are responding.”

The overall value of Washington’s organic products increased from $503 million in 2006 to $654 million in 2007, a 30 percent increase. When final statistics are available, McEvoy expects organic sales to have reached $800 million in 2008.

WSDA’s Organic Food Program protects consumers and supports the organic food industry by ensuring the integrity of organic food products through certifying organic businesses and establishing, verifying and enforcing organic standards.

Applications for the cost-share program can be obtained by contacting WSDA at (360) 902-1805 or downloading the application from the Organic Food Program’s Web site at agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Organic/

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